Pin A comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole combining classic chili dogs in a baked, cheesy format—perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
I grew up enjoying chili dogs at summer cookouts, and turning them into a casserole became my go-to for sharing those flavors with my family on busy evenings. It's just as fun to serve at parties as it is for a casual dinner.
Ingredients
- Beef hot dogs: 8, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Chili: 2 cups (about 450 g) prepared, homemade or canned, with or without beans
- Yellow onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded
- Hot dog buns: 6, sliced in half
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon, melted
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Fresh chives or green onions (optional): 2 tablespoons chopped
- Sour cream (optional): 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Arrange buns:
- Place halved hot dog buns cut-side up in the dish. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Add hot dogs:
- Scatter sliced hot dogs evenly over buns.
- Add vegetables:
- Sprinkle chopped onion over hot dogs.
- Add chili:
- Pour chili evenly over bun and hot dog mixture.
- Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chives or green onions and dollops of sour cream if desired. Serve hot.
Pin Whenever I make this for my family, everybody gathers around eagerly—the smell of baking chili and cheese brings everyone to the table, and leftovers are always requested for lunch the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal, and offer extra sour cream or hot sauce for those who like a kick.
Customizations
Try using turkey or plant-based hot dogs and swapping in Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a twist. Add diced bell peppers to the onions for even more flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven until warmed through and cheese is melty again.
Pin This playful casserole always brings smiles and is a cinch to whip up whenever comfort food is needed in a hurry. Enjoy!
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different sausages instead of beef hot dogs?
Absolutely! Turkey or plant-based hot dogs work well for lighter or vegetarian options, maintaining flavor and texture.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and check that your chili doesn’t contain gluten-based thickeners.
- → How can I add spice to this casserole?
Try adding diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a few shakes of hot sauce into the chili for a kick.
- → What sides pair well with this casserole?
This hearty dish pairs nicely with a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for balance.
- → Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, assemble the casserole a few hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake just before serving for best texture.
- → What cheese alternatives work instead of cheddar?
Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses can be substituted for cheddar.